“The sky’s the limit, that’s what they told the f#@king fool. I disguise the limit, now I’m headed for the sun and moon”.
Rhymes like this come off of Joey Bada$$’s latest mix tape titled Summer Knight. This is Joey’s third mix tape, and a masterfully produced and written one at that.
Joey Bada$$ is an 18-year-old MC (aka rapper) from Brooklyn, bringing back a ’90s style of hip hop with his rap collective or group named Pro Era (short for Progressive Era). The movement they and other New York rap collectives are bringing back is called Beast Coast, a resurgence of East Coast rap. In his latest project Joey Bada$$ rises to the expectations of his fans and delivers another 90’s sounding mix tape.
Despite the fact that his beats are produced by Static Selektah, Lee Bannon, MF DOOM, Chuck Strangers, and Kirk Knight (the latter two from Pro Era itself) all producers who make beats with a sound from the ’90s decade, Joey’s rhymes are very modern. For example, in his song titled “#LongLiveSteelo,” he raps about the sudden death of his fellow Pro Era member Capital Steez. Wishing he could have one last moment with him.
The mix tape has a very smooth sound to it. It’s not as hard hitting as his first mix tape 1999 where he has more a wider array of songs that vary from aggressive to melancholy to soulful. Summer Knights on the other hand is smooth and soulful all the way through, with a surprisingly relaxing mood with songs like “Right on Time” and “Sweet Dreams”.
Joey also has songs such as “Amethyst Rockstar” and “95 Til’ Infinity” where he uses a type of growl in his voice to make the song a bit edgy and aggressive. Joey doesn’t falter as he delivers his well-written verses with an impeccable flow to match the music. As classic Joey does, he utilizes his lyrical expertise and genius to keep his fans and new listeners hooked. His verses are jam packed with puns and all have a deep meaning to them that resonate through your mind as you listen.
The mix tape features guest rappers such as Smoke Dza and of course, his Pro Era crew, but the majority of the tracks on the tape are just him, which many listeners may miss since his tape Rejex or 1999. Whether you’re just listening for the music, listening for Joey’s rhymes, or both at the same time. Summer Knights does not disappoint.